We're approaching NFL Scouts dream week (aka the Scouting Combine) where scouts from every team will watch prospective players lift weights, run, and do other workout activities. From watching these, the scouts will draw up determinations of how well these players will stack up in the pros. Think the combine doesn't matter? It catapulted a little-known East Carolina running back into the first round when he posted the fastest 40-yard dash time recorded at a combine. That was Chris Johnson, who led the league in rushing last year. Al Davis likes to use the combine to pick out his draft picks. No one in their right mind would have selected Darrius Heyward-Bey over Michael Crabtree last year, but Al Davis isn't in his right mind.
In preparation for the Combine, I'm going to throw out my first mock draft of the year. Mock Drafts are just guesses, and my guess is as good as Mel Kiper's or Todd McShay's. So why do people do them when they don't mean anything? Because they're fun. I'll also have a more in-depth look at the Steelers team needs in the lead up to the draft.
If this isn't the pick, the people of St. Louis should riot.
G. McCoy (DT-Oklahoma)
Personally, I went back and forth between Berry, Okung, and McCoy here. I settled on McCoy because of their awful run defense. Franchise LT's are hard to come by, but there will probably be one of the "second tier" OTs available at the top of Round 2. A talent like McCoy won't be.
E. Berry (S-Tennessee)
Everyone loves Berry, and for good reason. If Tampa wants any shot at competing with New Orleans for the division crown, upgrading the secondary is an absolute necessity.
J. Clausen (QB-Notre Dame)
Honestly, this is the first pick on the board that I think has a legitimate shot at being trade bait. With only 5 picks in the draft, Mike Shanahan may try to pull some strings and leverage this pick into not only additional picks this year but also future picks. If they don't trade, Clausen is the obvious pick unless Shanahan is comfortable with Jason Campbell as his franchise passer.
R. Okung (OT-Oklahoma St)
Cassel might not be a franchise QB, but he's better than the rest of their QBs for now and they are paying him enough that they need to protect him. With 9 picks in the draft this year, the Chiefs aren't likely "sellers" of a pick, but they could leverage those as a "buyer" if they want to trade up for someone.
S. Bradford (QB-Oklahoma)
There are two QBs that are head and shoulders above the field in this draft. With Clausen off the board Pete Carroll nabs Sam Bradford to run his offense.
D. Bryant (WR-Oklahoma St)
Really, would you be surprised if Eric Mangini traded down again? Cleveland had one of the worst passing attacks in the league last year. Massaquoi can be good, but he's no #1.
J. Pierre-Paul (DE-South Florida)
Anyone who thinks Al Davis is going to do something sensible like take an Offensive Lineman should look at his drafting history. He's going to do something outrageous and JPP fits the bill.
B.Bulaga (OT-Iowa)
With both QBs off the board, Buffalo continues to reforge their offensive line. They are making the move to a 3-4 defense which will benefit Aaron Maybin and Paul Posluszny, but this seems a bit high to go after a 3-4 DT.
D. Morgan (DE-Georgia Tech)
With all the picks they've invested in their D-line, it will probably be DE by committee next year until someone can finally get pressure. Jacksonville has a lot of holes to fill and with only 5 draft picks, they could be a key seller if someone wants to trade ahead of Denver to nab either Haden or McClain.
R. McClain (LB-Alabama)
Denver needs some help on defense, but if they lose Brandon Marshall in Free Agency, don't be surprised if they take a swipe at trying to get Dez Bryant (which may require them trading up to do).
B. Graham (LB-Michigan)
This might be a bit of a reach for Graham, but with the Dolphins releasing Joey Porter, they have a glaring need for a pass-rushing 3-4 OLB.
J. Haden (CB-Florida)
There's no way that Haden drops all the way to 13. Someone will trade up to take him if he drops out of the top 5. However, since I'm not including trades in this Mock, Haden slides a little bit. CJ Spiller (RB-Clemson)
If Pete Carroll isn't able to pry Reggie Bush away from New Orleans, you had better believe he's going to go after a play-making running back in the draft. Spiller will add instant excitement to the Seahawks offense that has been lacking in that area.
E. Thomas (S-Texas)
The Giants defense was absolutely atrocious down the stretch last year. Their linebacker play was poor and their secondary was even worse. Sean Weatherspoon could be an option at linebacker here, but chances are the Giants attempt to upgrade their secondary. For as bad as their corners were last year, they could be a candidate to trade up to try and snag Haden.
C. Dunlap (DE-Florida)
Tennessee's defensive line dominated the league in 2008, but the loss of Albert Haynesworth hurt more than people anticipated. Their DE's were atrocious at getting pressure on the quarterback, which caused their overly-aggressive secondary to get torched. Dunlap has had some character issues, but Jeff Fisher should be able to get him in line. A. Davis (OT-Rutgers)
Without a proven passer, San Francisco will continue to rely on Frank Gore and the running game to control the game. Upgrading their O-line with Davis will not only help their run game, but also their pass protection. The 49ers gave up 40 sacks, 11th most in the league, last year - making upgrading the O-line a priority.
M. Iupati (OG-Idaho)
Depending on what happens in Free Agency, this pick might change. RT Willie Colon is an RFA and NT Casey Hampton is a UFA. If the Steelers fail to re-sign one of them, that may change who they pick. They could use a mauler like Iupati to improve their run game. S and CB are also options here.
S. Weatherspoon (LB-Missouri)
The Falcons have other needs, such as CB, but with Weatherspoon still on the board, an improvement to their linebacking corps will be a welcome addition. Mike Peterson has been okay and Curtis Lofton is solid, and adding a playmaker like Weatherspoon would make the unit even better.
K. Wilson (CB-Boise St)
DT is another possibility here, but when you play against Peyton Manning twice a year, upgrading your secondary is always a good idea. Robinson hasn't quite stepped into his own as a #1 corner yet, and the Texans secondary is definitely the weak point in their defense.
B. Price (DT-UCLA)
Gresham would also be a possibility here, but with Price still on the board, Cincy looks to upgrade their D-line. The Jets were able to run all over them in the playoffs, showing that their defense is still vulnerable.
S. Kindle (LB-Texas)
Talks with Vince Wilfork have gone nowhere, but with a talent like Kindle still on the board, the Patriots go in that direction rather than taking Dan Williams. The Patriots have a plethora of picks if they feel the need to trade up if a player starts dropping.
B. Campbell (OT-Maryland)
Anyone who things Green Bay is going to pick anything other than an O-lineman needs their head examined. The Packers gave up a league-leading 51 sacks this year. Aaron Rodgers is a tough QB but he got absolutely killed in multiple games this year.
E. Griffen (DE-USC)
Trent Cole is a monster, but Philly could use another pass-rushing DE. They have good corners, but their safeties have been vulnerable, which could be a focal point later in the draft.
D. Williams (WR-USC)
If their offense is going to excel, Joe Flacco is going to need some help in the passing game. Their 3-headed monster at running back is dominant, but adding talent at WR is a must.
B. Spikes (LB-Florida)
With the future of Karlos Dansby up in the air, Arizona looks for a replacement. LT is also a need, but no one left on the board really fits the bill.
T. Williams (OT-Oklahoma)
Flozell Adams is more of a liability than an asset at this point. The Cowboys need an upgrade on their O-line and Williams is the best player left on the board.
R. Matthews (RB-Fresno St)
With Ladanian Tomlinson set to finish his career elsewhere, San Diego has a glaring need in the backfield. Jonathan Dwyer from Georgia Tech is another option here, but I like Matthews blend of power and speed for San Diego's offense.
J. Odrick (DL-Penn St)
The Jets have built a solid team and Odrick is an ideal 3-4 DE. He's a monster against the pass, demanding double teams with a quick first step and strong power and he's almost unmovable against the run.
T. Cody (DT-Alabama)
The Vikings need a replacement for 36-year old Pat Williams on the interior. DE Ray Edwards is also set to be a free agent, and they could look to add another pass-rusher opposite Jared Allen. Cody may be overweight at the combine and on draft day, but his size makes him virtually immovable in the middle, making him an ideal replacement for Williams.
P. Cox (CB-Oklahoma St)
Indy's lack of secondary depth showed up big time in the Super Bowl when they were picked apart by Drew Brees. The Colts D-line could also use some help, both on the interior and adding someone as depth behind the oft-injured Dwight Freeney.
N. Bowman (LB-Penn St)
The Saints defense had an excellent game plan in the Super Bowl and really hunkered down, only allowing 7 points after giving up 10 on the first two drives. They lack depth at CB, but adding Bowman at linebacker will go even further towards improving their defense. Adding a TE like Gresham is also a possibility here.
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